Sounds strange, doesn't it - a bonus for envy?! Many times, it works the other way around. Poker players envy the success of others, try to copy them.... and wind up crashing out of tournaments or going bust at a cash game. Others envy someone else's possessions so much that they steal the items for themselves.
We'll let you do your own color research into why people become "green with envy" (as opposed to red or blue). But it's not the sort of emotion God wants us to have....
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy.... I Corinthians 13:4
Since the Bible tells us that "God is love" (I John 4:16), this shows envy is not one of His traits. In fact....
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery.... factions and envy.... those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. - Galatians 5:19-21
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. - James 3:16
If envy is a personal problem for you, we recommend repenting before God - then starting a new habit. Be happy when others are successful:
Honor one another above yourselves.... Rejoice with those who rejoice.... - Romans 12:10, 15
We realize at some poker tables, you might look weird doing this. But it's far better than letting envy eat away at your peace of mind - and maybe even your bank account.
We heard a message the other day that went deep into the topic of envy. It may reveal other areas of your life where you're "going green" in a bad way, and need to make some changes.
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